This story is from December 6, 2017

Organised cultivation of cannabis matter of concern: High court

Organised cultivation of cannabis matter of concern: High court
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SHIMLA: Even as the Himachal Pradesh high court has expressed concern over organised cultivation of cannabis in the higher reaches of Kullu district, its wild growth can be seen in Chamba, Kangra, upper Shimla and areas adjoining to Uttarakhand. In an affidavit filed in the high court, state DGP has submitted that at present approximately 400 villages are affected in Kullu, Mandi, Chamba, Shimla and Sirmaur districts.
A division bench comprising acting Chief Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Sandeep Sharma on Monday observed that destruction campaigns are merely on paper and nothing has been done on the ground level by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) or state police for curbing the drug menace in the state, which is reflected in the mind-boggling figures with regard to seizure of contraband by the NCB.
The court said that though the situation in the entire state was quite alarming but at present Malana village appears to be the epicenter of drug menace and immediate steps are required to be taken by the agencies concerned.
As per information submitted by the DGP before the high court in October, huge quantities of contraband were seized in the last five years. As per report of zonal director of NCB filed in the court, charas seizures increased between 2012-15. In 2012, 282.37 kg of charas seized from Himachal Pradesh, whereas in 2013, it increased to 314.96 kg and 356.96 kg in 2014. Though opium seizures have not been more than 10 kg in the initial period but in 2015, 283.446 kg of charas was seized from Himachal Pradesh.
After going through the reports submitted by the NCB as well as state DGP, the court had earlier observed that perusals of reports suggest that situation in Kullu valley was worst in comparison to other affected parts of the state. “As per information made available to this court, psychotropic substances grown and produce at Malana village commands higher value and as such a large number of foreigners from various parts of the globe come and spend lot of time in and around Malana village throughout the year,” it added.
The court said that it also emerged from the information submitted by the NCB as well as the state police that Malana fell on the transit route of psychotropic substances.
Amicus curiae Satyen Vaidya and B C Negi, both senior advocates, had informed the court that a lot of illegal activity was visible at Kasol village, which was at the base of Malana village and as such an endeavour must be made by the authorities and other stakeholders to keep a constant vigil on the trade, use and consumption of psychotropic substance.
On this, the court said it was constrained to observe that Kullu valley was popular among drug addicts for its “Malana cream”. “Sadly, a place called Malana, which has its own historical significance, is now becoming the centre of illegal activities and that too under the nose of authorities responsible for ensuring law and order,” it added.
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About the Author
Anand Bodh

Anand Bodh is Senior Assistant Editor with The Times of India in Shimla and has covered militancy in J&K and general news in Punjab and Chandigarh before moving to Himachal Pradesh. He loves the rugged mountains and glaciers, keeps track of development in these areas and occasionally highlights the unique culture and traditions beside politics and environmental issues of this hill state in his writing.

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